Residents of Wasaga Beach will enjoy more free parking choices near the waterfront this summer than ever before, as the town adds to its resident parking program by including two of its busiest beach areas.
For the first time, Beach Areas 1 and 2 will function as municipal parking lots, allowing residents with a valid digital parking permit to park at no cost all summer long. This change comes after direction from the town council and builds on a program that was first introduced in 2023.
Mayor Brian Smith states that this expansion is designed to make it easier for residents to take advantage of everything the beachfront has to offer – without added financial stress.
“Summer in Wasaga Beach is about making memories at the waterfront, and we want residents to be able to enjoy the beach as easily as possible. At a time when costs are high, this is one small way we can help residents save money, stay close to home, and enjoy more of what makes summer in Wasaga Beach special – from the waterfront and live music to family events and evenings by the beach.”
Previously, free resident parking was available at New Wasaga and Allenwood Beach. With Beach Areas 1 and 2 now included, residents will have access to even more waterfront parking options throughout the community.
🎧 Local news stories that matter most to you
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts to get notified of new episodes every day.
The increase in parking comes as Wasaga Beach gears up for a busy tourism season. The town plans to host over 80 live music performances along with launching the Wasaga Beach Life Festival and Midway, expanded waterfront celebrations, and a lineup of key events along the world’s longest freshwater beach.
Officials say this expansion shows council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing access to the waterfront while supporting a lively tourism economy.
How the program works
Residents with a valid digital Resident Parking Permit can park for free at all municipal lots, including those newly added Beach Areas 1 and 2. Permits can be obtained or renewed online prior to summer starting.
The program launched in 2023 saw great interest in its first year, with over 14,000 permits claimed.
Visitor parking still available
While residents benefit from free parking, visitors can still use municipal lots through paid hourly or daily options using the Honk mobile app, with digital payment available at all locations.
Additonal parking is also provided at Beach Areas 3 through 6 via Ontario Parks where drivers must use provincial permits or seasonal passes. Municipal and provincial parking permits are not interchangeable.
Plan ahead before heading to the beach
With Wasaga Beach attracting around two million visitors each year, officials encourage both locals and tourists to plan ahead especially during busy weekends and major events.
Parking maps, rates, and permit information are available on the town’s website. For more information on parking and summer events, residents and visitors visit wasagabeach. com/parking What do you think of this article?
Source link
Parking maps, rates, and permit information are available on the town’s website. For more information on parking and summer events, residents and visitors visit wasagabeach. com/parking What do you think of this article?
Source link
